Here Are 23 Greetings You Can Use Often in French
No matter the reason, groundwork must always be laid. Here, we'll break down the many different ways to greet someone in French and explain why you should learn them. By the time you reach the conclusion of this article, you will have a firm grasp on the nuances of


No matter the reason, groundwork must always be laid. Here, we'll break down the many different ways to greet someone in French and explain why you should learn them.
By the time you reach the conclusion of this article, you will have a firm grasp on the nuances of French greetings and be as at ease as a "poisson dans l'eau" (fish in water).
If you want to make friends in France, learning how to say hello in the language is essential.
It may be argued that times are changing, but la politesse is deeply ingrained in the French language and culture. Learning a few phrases in French can help even if you don't become fluent. Keeping this in mind, you may wish to bolster your sociability by incorporating some French slang into your greetings. Actually, this principle is universal and can be applied to any language.
When you travel internationally in the future, try greeting people in their native tongue. You can overcome your fear of speaking a new language just by looking at someone who is happy and smiling.
But let's get back to the meat of the matter; as the French say, revenons-en à nos moutons. Even if you don't learn much beyond "bonjour," you'll have the foundation you need to start talking to strangers and, who knows, make some friends
Wallpapers for phones, no cost
Say "bonjour" in French with the help of these free, downloadable desktop backgrounds. You can pick from three exciting patterns.
The French greetings of "bonjour" and "bonsoir" are among the most frequently used words in the language. The first is for daytime use, while the second is best saved for the evening. The informal use of "salut" is widespread as well. These are the most common forms of greeting taught to young students of French.
To review, with pronunciation:
The International Phonetic Alphabet can help you pronounce French words like a native speaker. It's simple to pick up and will serve you well in the pursuit of any other language.
You'll see the IPA pronunciation next to a word whenever you look it up in a language book, dictionary, translator, or online resource, just like in the table above. Quickly, you'll be speaking French like a native.
Let's take a look at some alternative ways of saying "hello" and "how are you" in French, with their English pronunciations.
In France, the ubiquitous "bise" exists even in the absence of COVID. The French traditionally greet each other with a kiss on both cheeks, which can be awkward for visitors. And it's not just for saying hi to people. Though the custom of shaking hands is widespread in the French business world, it is not uncommon for colleagues, whether male or female, to se faire la bise instead.
Is it true
Where you are and how many kisses you exchange can have a significant impact on how you feel. If you want to avoid an awkward silence, wait for the other person to initiate conversation. Don't freak out if it does occur. The French are not immune.
Making faux pas is an inevitable part of learning a new culture or language. Some, however, can be prevented.
Mistake No. 1: Showing excessive enthusiasm
You, the reader, can rejoice, because this applies to you. While the French are known for their politeness, they may give you a strange look if you appear overly enthusiastic. Québec is a different story altogether, with friendlier locals than the rest of Canada.
The second most common faux-pas is switching "tu" and "vous" around in conversation.
While this is not a concern in the English language, it is essential that French speakers learn to properly display social graces. The more formal "vous" is typically reserved for interactions between strangers. When in doubt, always address the other person with "vous" and ask, "Puis-je vous tutoyer?" (May I address you with "tu"? )
Mistake No. 3: A Hug Instead of a Bise
Many tourists find la bise to be unnerving. First of all, in France, hugging is reserved for the closest of friends and family because it is considered an invasion of privacy.
Speaking of social gaffes, these suggestions may help you avoid "mettre les pieds dans le plat" (to put one's foot in one's mouth) at a French dinner party.
We're hoping that, in addition to learning how to say "bonjour!" in French, you've also picked up some of the rudiments of French culture from this article. When you meet a French speaker in the future, you can rest assured that you will make a fantastic first impression with the help of these greeting resources.
Don't forget to return to our French vocabulary blog for more engaging learning opportunities.
Now all that's left to say is, "Au revoir et à bientôt."

Ten seconds to snooze Asleep in 60 Assume a sleeping position for the next 120 seconds Basics for better sleep Products that we believe will be of interest to our audience are featured. We may receive a commission on purchases made after clicking on links on this page.

It's no secret that since their release in late 2016, AirPods have risen to the top of the headphone popularity charts. They are a handy way to listen to music, podcasts, and more on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, and they debuted at the same time as the trend of phones ditching headphone jacks. Perhaps

Learn the proper way to cut a mango so that you waste as little of the fruit as possible. Check out the detailed images and instructions to learn how to peel, cut, slice, and dice a mango. You can eat this tasty tropical fruit on its own, or incorporate it into savory and sweet dishes.

If a clogged toilet is causing you stress, don't worry; we have many easy solutions that don't involve calling a plumber, such as the use of a plunger.